CAS: 29540-54-3

Methyl 2-methyl-3-oxo-3-phenylpropanoate is a zerovalent metallorganic compound. It is used as an intermediate in the synthesis of other compounds and has been found to be a good catalyst for the benzoylation of olefins. The compound is prepared by reacting an azide with a benzyl alcohol. This reaction proceeds via an initial hydrolysis of the azide to form a chloride, followed by substitution of the chloride with the alcohol to form the desired product. The catalytic mechanism is thought to involve magnesium ions, which are reduced to magnesium cations upon addition of chloride ions. The compound has not been shown to produce any toxic effects in humans and can be safely handled without protective equipment.

Methyl 2-Methyl-3-oxo-3-phenylpropanoate